Take It Outside!
Corian Bench - Choate Rosemary Hall. Design by Studio ABK. Fabrication by Sterling Surfaces. Photo by Jeff Baumgart.
Architects and designers across the globe are falling in love with Solid Surface materials for their highly versatile characteristics. Because of this, we are seeing an increase of Solid Surface use in outdoor applications.
While outdoor Solid Surface countertops are great, many architects go beyond the obvious. They have found interesting ways to incorporate Solid Surface materials in their outdoor designs in such ways as signage, furniture, wall cladding, play structures, lighting, sculptures and more.
Several Solid Surface manufacturers even offer products specifically designed for exterior cladding and facades. For example, Dupont Corian® EC, as well as BUTECH from Krion®.
What makes Solid Surface a great choice for outdoor applications? Because of its inherent qualities, Solid Surface materials hold up extremely well outdoors despite what Mother Nature throws at it. According to DuPont:
"Corian® solid surface has low moisture absorption, and is resistant to environmental pollutants, humidity, and freeze-thaw conditions. These qualities make Corian® an excellent choice when designing outdoor applications."
When Studio ABK architect Mai Wu, when asked why Corian® was chosen for a 130 foot long bench replied,
“All other options would have required lighting under the benches. They where concerned a metal bench would be too hot to sit on. Some people were concerned about the maintenance for wood overtime."
Even if something were to happen, for example vandalism or extreme abuse, Solid Surface materials are easily repaired and refinished. When you add to all of these great qualities the large color palate available, thermoformability and I inconspicuous seams, you begin to realize the endless possibilities Solid Surface materials have in outdoor spaces.
Seeko'o Hotel, Bordeaux, France. Project by Atelier King Kong; Photo Arthur Pequin
Outdoor Table - Seaport Hotel, Boston. Fabrication by Sterling Surfaces. Photo by Jeff Baumgart.
Swimming Pool. Fabrication by Sterling Surfaces. Photo by Kyle Caldwell.